I did not attend class today but I have on occasion visited a number of websites. After reviewing a number of web pages, I realize that it is very important to analyze your audience before setting up your page. Based on the composition of your audience different elements should be used on your site to meet their needs. Example, for children don't use difficult words, use lots of colors and characters they are familiar with. For seniors, who may not be familiar with computers, a similar design scheme is required and the fonts should be large. When addressing those familiar with Internet and web pages you should make sure you balance your page and not make it too simple.
You should avoid cramming too much information into a small portion of the page. Spread the text around. If you are using multiple columns of text, make sure the font size is legible and bright enough to be displayed on most monitors. You must also make sure the back button and forward button are available for use at all times. If a user is accessing a secured screen that requires a login, make sure there is a logout button available on that screen.
Also include a "contact us" link for your users so they find it easy to contact you to provide feedback or ask questions.
One of the best web pages I’ve accessed is the Dell Corporation webpage. The page is evenly balanced and has a link that will fit any users’ needs. There is a consistent use of the company logo as well as the company colors. Their page include all of the items mentioned above and also appears to have artificial intelligence built into some pages that counts the number of times you access the same page. If you access the same page a certain number of times a pop up appears offering assistance with making a choice. I have come across this same pop up on a number of websites but usually it is a timed event. It simply waits a certain amount of time before it appears. On Dells website it is not automatic. It appears to sense your keystrokes.
Although I am not a big Dell fan, I must recognize a well designed website when I see one. They have been quick to adopt new technology and use very slick graphics on their pages.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Exploring Human Factors in Virtual Worlds
“There is nothing like the real thing.” These are the words to a song sung by Diana Ross in 1969. These words have been uttered by many and despite the passage of time, they still hold true.
Even the most skeptical person must agree that there are certain circumstances where access to the real thing should be delayed and primary focus should be placed on the “fake thing." By a fake thing I mean virtual reality. The situation where this is true is where life over death choices must be made such as: airplane pilots, submarine engineers, nuclear power plant operator, space shuttle pilot, emergency response technician, open heart surgery, etc. The reason I feel virtual reality is a better choice in these types of situations is because no one wants to be the guinea pig while skills are being developed in these areas.
In order to make virtual reality more realistic, you need to explore human factors. To make virtual worlds more realistic will require the injection of sensory receptors. I am not sure whether technology has advanced enough to create such an environment but there is a chance that enough advancement has been made to install a few sensory receptors. But I don’t believe that we will be able to simulate all five senses. Without the simulation of all five senses true realism can not be achieved.
In an effort to create virtual world places, you must be cognizant of health related issues. If the virtual world is presented in way that is not common to the participant, then chances are the participant could suffer physically or mentally from the experiment. Therefore, it is important to use diverse methods of introducing virtual worlds in the workplace. Participants must be given the opportunity to get comfortable with the virtual environment before it is thrust upon them. Although with the advent of the Internet, computers and the gaming industry, introduction of simulated environments would probably more acceptable now than ever before.
Even the most skeptical person must agree that there are certain circumstances where access to the real thing should be delayed and primary focus should be placed on the “fake thing." By a fake thing I mean virtual reality. The situation where this is true is where life over death choices must be made such as: airplane pilots, submarine engineers, nuclear power plant operator, space shuttle pilot, emergency response technician, open heart surgery, etc. The reason I feel virtual reality is a better choice in these types of situations is because no one wants to be the guinea pig while skills are being developed in these areas.
In order to make virtual reality more realistic, you need to explore human factors. To make virtual worlds more realistic will require the injection of sensory receptors. I am not sure whether technology has advanced enough to create such an environment but there is a chance that enough advancement has been made to install a few sensory receptors. But I don’t believe that we will be able to simulate all five senses. Without the simulation of all five senses true realism can not be achieved.
In an effort to create virtual world places, you must be cognizant of health related issues. If the virtual world is presented in way that is not common to the participant, then chances are the participant could suffer physically or mentally from the experiment. Therefore, it is important to use diverse methods of introducing virtual worlds in the workplace. Participants must be given the opportunity to get comfortable with the virtual environment before it is thrust upon them. Although with the advent of the Internet, computers and the gaming industry, introduction of simulated environments would probably more acceptable now than ever before.
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